Popular in
parts of Asia and Europe for more than a decade, therapies and
health care products based on far-infrared technologies are
making their way into North America

WHAT DO
KNEE WRAPS, CAPS, QUILTS, MATS, HAIR DRYERS, SOCKS AND SAUNAS HAVE IN
COMMON?

If you answered they warm you up, you're on the right track. But if you
know that all these objects and more are now being designed to radiate
far-infrared light--an important energy force that promotes
healing--you're among a growing number of people who are onto new
techniques in energy medicine.

Perhaps
one should say old techniques but new technologies. After all, the body's
use of infrared rays is literally as old as our species. Traditionally
we've gotten our daily dose of infrared from sunlight, which is composed
of all the energy wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum (see Quick
Definition). Today we're seeing new technologies employing far-infrared
energy in health care products and in clinical protocols such as
hyperthermic therapies for detoxification and cancer treatment (see
Alternative Medicine issue 37, "Too Hot for Cancer").

Energy
medicine is very old, too--at least as old as the first Qigong masters and
other ancient practitioners of healing touch therapies. These healers all
had in common the ability to emit energy through their hands, and so do
many modern day healers, such as Dolores Krieger, Ph.D., R.N., who began
teaching healing touch techniques in the U.S. in the 1970s. Contemporary
researchers have now proved that these forms of energy medicine use
wavelengths in the infrared range.

In a study
at the National Yang-Ming Medical College in Taipei, Taiwan, published in
the American Journal of Chinese Medicine in 1991, researchers measured the
energy Qigong masters emit from their palms. The researchers
employed electronic detection equipment but were also able to detect
infrared energy by a rise in air temperature near the masters' palms. The
study showed that emitted infrared Qi, or Chi (pronounced "chee"
and essentially meaning energy in Traditional Chinese Medicine), has
positive effects on human fibroblasts, the cells that rebuild connective
tissue. The study also showed that infrared Chi stimulated a significant
increase in cell growth, DNA synthesis and protein synthesis in cells.

In
this representation of the electromagnetic spectrum, we see that infrared
wavelengths are just below ("infra") visible red light. The
infrared (IR) portion is further divided into three segments of
wavelengths, which are often measured in microns, or micrometers. (A
micron is equal to one millionth of a meter.) The near-IR segment is 0.076
to 1.5 microns; middle-IR is 1.5 to 5.6 microns; and far-IR is 5.6 to
1,000 microns.

QUICK DEFINITION

The electromagnetic
spectrum is the entire range of radiant energies, measured as
waves or frequencies. Electromagnetic refers to the ability to
exist as both particle (matter) and wave (energy). The spectrum
is usually divided into seven sections, from the longest to the
shortest wavelengths: radio, microwave, infrared, visible,
ultraviolet, x-ray, and gamma-ray radiation.

Researchers
in Japan have also performed studies of this infrared energy from the
human palm, which they call Kikoh. At the Niwa Institute for Immunology in
Tosashimizu, Japan, researchers examined Kikoh as well as materials that
emit far-infrared radiation, including common granite stone, tourmaline (a
type of granite), ceramic disks and hot spring water. In findings
published in 1993 in the International Journal of Biometeorology, they
reported that materials emitting far-infrared (FIR) energy appear
capable of potentiating functions of white blood cells. These
functions include increased immune defense response in which white blood
cells surround and ingest small living things (such as bacteria) and cell
wastes.

There's at
least one startling connection between the infrared Chi of healing hands
and far-infrared products like the knee
wrap. In a situation in which you've pulled a ligament
or muscle, for instance, the knee wrap can become the healing hands. Both
employ the same healing mechanism: They stimulate a degree of
inflammation--a positive sign that fibroblasts are doing their job. Most
people don't realize that inflammation is necessary for a period of time
to heal such injuries, and they suppress this natural healing process by
overusing ice and ibuprofen. Instead, the FIR wrap helps to trigger
healing by radiating far-infrared energy through its special
ceramic-coated fibers and gently but deeply warming the injury site.

But is
this warming effect different from that of a hot water bottle or heating
pad? Yes, the vibrational energy of far-infrared light is unlike that of
the heat energy we use, for example, in cooking. Think of it as the
difference between leaning over a pot of boiling water and standing
outside in the sunlight. Steam from boiling water can burn the skin but it
doesn't heat internal organs. Sunlight heats us in a profound way,
however, because it contains penetrating far-infrared rays as well as the
full range of energy in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Everything
in the universe emits and absorbs certain wave energies. If we look at a
graphic representation of the electromagnetic spectrum (see illustration),
we see that infrared waves are longer than those in the visible range,
falling just below ("infra") visible red light in the spectrum.
Although the wavelengths of far-infrared are too long for our eyes to
perceive, we experience the energy as gentle radiant heat.

At the
molecular level, FIR exerts strong rotational and vibrational effects that
are either biologically benign or, in certain processes, biologically
beneficial. This healing ability stands in contrast to the damaging
effects of short wavelengths, such as X-rays and gamma rays. The molecular
effects of FIR are actually measurable through IR spectroscopy, a method
of analyzing the emission and absorption of infrared light that reveals
changes in atoms and molecules caused by IR energy. In health care, these
effects are being harnessed to promote healing.

Humans,
like other living organisms, have evolved to have a unique absorption
spectrum and to respond specifically to particular electromagnetic
wavelengths (EMWs). German professor Fritz Hollwich, Ph.D., conducted a
study in the 1970s showing that individuals who sat under cool-white
fluorescent lighting had elevated levels of the stress hormones ACTH and
cortisol. There was no such stress response in individuals who sat under
full-spectrum lights that simulated sunlight. (As a result of studies like
this, the fluorescent lights are legally banned in German hospitals and
medical facilities.) Dr. Hollwich's study is one of many that have shown
that light has stimulatory and regulatory effects on biological
systems.

Leon M.
Silverstone, D.D.Sc., Ph.D., B.Ch.D., L.D.S., R.C.S., is a contemporary
expert on many of the effects of EMWs. Much of his research, first in
England and now in the U.S., has focused on developing non-invasive
devices for neuromodulation of disorders such as clinical tremor and
chronic pain. Dr. Silverstone explains that solar light energy is
transmitted to the brain by nerve endings in the skin. "These energy
impulses stimulate the hypothalamus," he says, "And this has an
important controlling effect on the production of neurochemicals. Given
that neurochemicals regulate processes such as blood pressure, immune
response, sleep, mood, and so on, there is little doubt that we exacerbate
a wide range of health problems by spending the greater part of our lives
indoors under inadequate lighting conditions."

Far-infrared
light penetrates beyond the skin level and is absorbed efficiently by
cells below, whereas visible light is mostly bounced off the skin surface.
Near-infrared is mostly absorbed at the skin level and raises the skin
temperature. Far-infrared can penetrate up to 4 centimeters (about 1-1/2
inches), exciting the vibrational energy of molecules and resonating with
cellular frequencies. We can't exactly perceive the deep heating effects
of FIR, though, because our body's ability to sense heat is mainly at the
skin level. Nonetheless, the effects of FIR rays promote bioprocesses such
as increased metabolism and blood circulation, and can raise core body
temperature. NASA certainly understood some of these effects when it
developed FIR materials for radiant heat during space travel. Hospitals
have also taken advantage of some of these properties to keep newborn
babies warm using FIR materials around incubators.

Studies
have been done--predominantly in Asia and Europe over the past few
decades--to advance the understanding of FIR in bioprocesses. A
fundamental finding from classical studies is that FIR appears to have
"normalization effects" on living organisms. In a recent study
at the Experimental Animal Research Laboratory at Meiji University in
Japan, researchers found that mice in a group exposed to FIR had a
significantly higher survival rate than that of the control group.

WRAPS
FROM HEAD TO TOE--AND MORE

Wraps are
just one of many types of FIR health care products popularized over the
last decade in Asian countries. Of course, you might not warm up to all
the health claims until you fully absorb the principles of FIR or try a
self-care product yourself. But as Dr. Silverstone explains, "The
mechanism of action is in some ways simple. It is related to vasodilation,
or increased blood flow and local temperature. The penetrating infrared
energy brings nutrients and oxygen to the soft tissue region being treated
and at the same time stimulates the removal of accumulated toxins. Also,
far-infrared has an ionizing effect. The many studies of the relationship
between negative ions and health have shown that these effects are
beneficial."

Far-infrared
(FIR) wraps can be used to promote localized healing in different parts of
the body. The wraps radiate far-infrared energy through their special
ceramic-coated fibers, thereby gently but deeply warming the injury site.

Some FIR
products are already available in North America, while the list used in
Asia is quite long. It includes waist protectors to reduce stomachache,
menstrual discomfort, chronic intestinal inflammation, baby diarrhea and
stomach cold caused by kidney weakness; underwear to reduce prostatitis,
vaginitis, hives (urticaria), psoriasis and jock itch; socks to get rid of
foot aches, offensive smell, sweaty feet and phlebitis; and caps to reduce
dandruff, high blood pressure, nervous exhaustion and migraine.

But that's
not all. FIR
brassieres have been
invented to help eliminate mastitis (inflammation of the breast) and to
improve lymph circulation and lactation. At the Osaka City Perinatal
Center in Japan, the vasodilating and warming effects of far-infrared
energy on the breast were studied. The researchers reported their results
in the Annals of Physiological Anthropology in 1990, concluding that
"ceramics far-infrared radiation may be an effective remedy for
enhancing lactation."

There are
even quick-cooking
FIR ovens that
replace microwave ovens and are said to kill E. coli bacteria. Some years
back, there began experiments with different IR spectra used to kill
harmful microorganisms. This has translated into several healthy household
products--including FIR-coated plates that kill bacteria, FIR-emitting
paints and wallpaper that kill molds, and FIR shower filters. "The
filters use FIR emissions combined with Paragon's filtration technology to
keep chlorine from forming harmful vapors and also to prevent soap scum
build-up on shower walls," says Fred Slingo. "The shower filter
is actually a water treatment device that removes undesirable substances
and reduces the surface tension of the water, which allows a complete
rinse and has a much less drying effect on the skin and hair."

Then there
are the "bioenergetic" FIR mattresses, mats and quilts, which
have been said to clear up insomnia, fatigue, menopausal symptoms, high
blood pressure, thrombus and arteriosclerotic occlusions and more. In a
study by Japanese researchers S. Inoue and M. Kabaya, published in 1989 in
the International Journal of Biometeorology, questionnaires were sent to
542 users of bedclothes with embedded FIR radiator disks (the ceramic
disks that emit FIR in the 4 to 16 micron range). The majority of
respondents said they saw an improvement in their health. The
researchers concluded that "these effects on living organisms appear
to be non-specifically triggered by an exposure to far-infrared rays,
which eventually induce an increase in temperature of the body tissues or,
more basically, an elevated motility of body fluids due to decrease in
size of water clusters."

The
ceramic powders, coatings and disks used in FIR products and textiles are
made of natural minerals, such as silicates, that transmit far-infrared
wavelengths. The powders can be fused into various polypropylene fabrics,
and the textiles are engineered so that the FIR effects are not reduced by
washing. There are also devices utilizing ceramic-coated quartz lamps and
heating wires that emit FIR wavelengths.

Perhaps
the most popular handheld FIR device in the U.S. is the hair dryer. This
device is being used for chronic pain and skin conditions as well as
healthy scalp circulation. It also prevents hair damage from direct
heating, which causes split ends and the "frizzies." Dr.
Silverstone says, "The FIR hair dryer dries hair fibers from the
inside out. The deep penetration of FIR energy has a positive effect on
the scalp, producing an increase in blood circulation. The hair ultimately
benefits from this vasodilation due to more efficient removal of toxins
and increased production of trace elements, minerals and oxygen."

The FIR
hair dryer is increasingly being used in localized treatment of other body
areas. John Porter, M.D., a specialist in physical medicine and
rehabilitation, and a partner in Phoenix Rehabilitation of Phoenix,
Arizona, says he has begun exploring possible applications for FIR devices. "I've used several kinds of energetic
modalities successfully in the past," he says. "I'm interested
in far-infrared because it's important to consider new solutions to the
multi-dimensional challenges we face in helping patients heal. The FIR
hair dryer appears to be a promising tool with minimal side effects."

Dr. Porter
has recommended the FIR device to several people
for adjunct therapy at home. One is his brother, whose psoriasis, a
difficult skin condition, has evolved into painful psoriatic arthritis.
"Because my brother has apparently been helped by the effects of this
device," he says, "I'm even more intrigued by the therapeutic
possibilities of FIR. But I caution people against careless use, which
would involve overuse to the point, for example, of inflaming a joint, or
use by persons with serious neurovascular conditions. The safe approach is
to check with your doctor before beginning FIR therapy. Then document your
progress--say, over a course of 90 days."

Another
device for localized treatment is a lamp on a stand. It's called the TDP
Far-Infrared Therapeutic Lamp, and it can provide focused deep heating in
therapeutic treatments such as those to increase blood circulation and
metabolism. Clinical studies have shown some of the following benefits:

Decreased inflammation and
edema from soft tissue injuries

Relieves pain including
arthritis pain

Promotes circulation and
healing

Heals skin disorders

Balances the nervous system.

For many,
the biggest news in FIR technology is its application in the evolving
science of detoxification, and the device being used is the far-infrared
sauna. At home and in clinics, these saunas are said to yield many
benefits--including relief from different kinds of pain; stimulation of
immune response; improvement in skin tone and conditions such as burns,
eczema and acne; and the accelerated burning of calories. But the detox
application is health news that can benefit everyone.

"Traditional
wisdom has suggested that saunas
work largely by promoting detoxification through the sweat," says
John C. Cline, M.D., B.Sc., C.C.F.P., A.B.C.T., Medical Director of the
Cline Medical Centre and Oceanside Functional Medicine Research Institute,
located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. "Saunas also
stimulate cells to release toxins which can then be eliminated by the
liver and bowel. Several published studies have now shown that this
hyperthermic therapy can bring about the rapid removal of a wide range of
toxic substances from the human body."

The FIR
energy emitted in these saunas may induce two or three times the sweat
volume of conventional saunas, yet they operate at a much cooler air
temperature range: about 110° to 130°F, compared with 180° to 235°F in
a conventional sauna. Many individuals who cannot tolerate a conventional
sauna, steam room or sweat lodge will find FIR saunas pleasant. The lower
heat range is also safer for those with cardiovascular risk factors or
fragile health because lower temperatures don't dramatically elevate heart
rate and blood pressure.

Dr. Cline
points out that methods to induce sweating have been used for centuries to
bring about improved health and relief from disease. "Over 2,000
years ago," he says, "the famous Greek physician, Parmenides,
stated 'give me a chance to create fever, and I will cure any disease.'
This traditional wisdom has certainly stood the test of time. Using
methods ranging from hot mineral baths and sweat lodges to saunas and
steam baths, individuals have enjoyed the revitalizing effects of induced
hyperthermia--the artificial elevation of body temperature.

Scientists
are taking a serious look at hyperthermic therapy as a means to detoxify
environmentally ill individuals.

"Sweat
therapy has also been used for many years by miners in Europe to prevent
and treat occupational heavy metal poisoning, and studies have now
demonstrated that hyperthermic therapy can bring about significant
detoxification from heavy metals including mercury. But only in recent
years has science begun to seriously examine this age-old healing
technique. Now, organizations such as the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency have taken a serious look at hyperthermic therapy as a means to
detoxify individuals who are ill from exposure to environmental
poisons."

Randy Gomm,
as a
firefighter, his health had begun to deteriorate until he was no longer
able to work. He was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and eventually it was
realized that the root of his problem was toxic overload from occupational
exposure. During the eight years he was ill, he says, he had a lot of time
to research alternative modalities to regain his health. "I
discovered that leading researchers in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue
syndrome stated that their patients had high toxic loads," says
Randy. "When their loads were reduced, their symptoms often improved
dramatically. It worked for me. Detoxing really helped put me back on my
feet."

Environmental
medical specialist Doris J. Rapp, M.D., of Scottsdale, Arizona, a
well-known pediatrician, allergist, homeopath and past president of the
American Academy of Environmental Medicine, states unequivocally,
"Everybody in this country needs to be detoxified because we've all
become 'toxic dumpsites.'" Dr. Rapp began using a far-infrared sauna
personally after seeing a similar procedure being employed in a German
clinic. She was impressed with the clinic's work in detoxifying young
children and infants. Dr. Rapp affirms that her FIR sauna causes her to
perspire profusely, and she adds, "I'm hoping to see more patient
outcome studies on FIR sauna use--studies that will further evaluate the
efficacy of this treatment and impartially evaluate the various
saunas."

Hyperthermic
detoxification using these saunas is not only uniquely helpful in removing
fat-stored toxins from the body but also as an adjunct to mercury removal.
Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt, M.D., of Seattle, who has been called "the
holistic doctors' doctor and teacher," is one of the pioneers in
combining the use of FIR saunas with the chelating agent DMPS in a heavy
metal detox protocol.

Dr. Cline
explains, "Given that hyperthermic sauna therapy removes metal
contaminants from the body by a different mechanism than chelation therapy
mechanism than chelation therapy we have found that it may be used to
further the benefits derived from chelation therapy. And we have also
found that it may be an alternative for those who are unable to undergo
chelation.

Psychological symptoms
include poor concentration, memory loss, mood changes, mental
confusion and changes in behavior. To set up an appropriate detox
regimen, consult a physician.

Research
conducted by U.S. scientists has demonstrated that close to 80,% of
individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome will improve markedly by a
guided detoxification program.

This
approach, called 'enterohepatic resuscitation,' is being used by health
care practitioners around the world. We combine this approach with
hyperthermic therapy using the far-infrared sauna, as well as exercise and
chelation. The results we are seeing are very promising.

Dr. Rapp
adds, "If far-infrared saunas work, why wait to use them? In our
homes and health care facilities, we need to use these saunas to detox the
same way we exercise-safely and effectively. People need information about
what nutrients and minerals to take, how to stay hydrated, and a reminder
to shower after the sauna. It's not going to do much good to spend time
detoxing if you don't wash off those toxins afterwards. And don't overlook
the importance of educating yourself and your children about sources of
environmental toxins and allergens. Your future health depends on
it!"